Violence against journalists in Pakistan

Violence against journalists in Pakistan refers to the surge in killings, abductions, assaults, threats, and enforced disappearances targeting media workers in Pakistan, encompassing a long history of threats, assaults, abductions, and killings targeting media workers.^[1] Since the 1990s, dozens of journalists have been killed in connection with their work, often with impunity for perpetrators.^[2][3] International organisations such as Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) have described Pakistan as one of the most dangerous countries for journalists, with high levels of impunity for perpetrators.^[4] They have consistently rank Pakistan poorly in press freedom indices due to violence from militant groups, political actors, and alleged state involvement.^[5] The pattern includes targeted murders, enforced disappearances, and online harassment, contributing to widespread self-censorship.^[6]

Since the beginning dozens of journalist killings, online harassment campaigns, and restrictions on reporting, contributing to widespread self-censorship.^[7] As of 2025, Pakistan ranks 158th in World Press Freedom Index.^[8]

Pakistan has long been considered one of the world's most dangerous countries for journalists, with historical issues of violence linked to militant groups, political pressures, and security forces.^[9] Violence against journalists in Pakistan dates back to the 1990s, with sporadic attacks amid political instability and sectarian tensions.^[10] The early 2000s saw a surge following the US-led invasion of Afghanistan and rising militancy, exemplified by the 2002 kidnapping and murder of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl by militants.^[11]

The 2010s marked Pakistan as one of the deadliest countries for the press, with peaks in 2010 and 2011 linked to conflict reporting and political coverage.^[12] Notable cases include the 2011 murder of investigative journalist Saleem Shahzad, allegedly involving state intelligence, and the killing of Geo TV reporter Wali Khan Babar amid ethnic tensions in Karachi.^[13]

The 2020s saw an escalation, particularly following political upheavals such as the 2022 ouster of Prime Minister Imran Khan and increased militant activity in border regions.^[14]

The threats included coordinated online harassment, especially against women journalists, and physical attacks.^[15] According to a report in The Guardian, by the middle of the decade, fatalities increased, and 2024 became one of the deadliest years on record.^[16]

Since 1992, the Committee to Protect Journalists has documented over 60 work-related journalist killings in Pakistan, with many more reported by local organisations.^[17] High-profile incidents include targeted shootings for reporting on militancy, corruption, or politics.^[18]

The 2020s have seen a significant rise in journalist murders, with at least 20–30 confirmed work-related killings by 2025.^[19] In 2024 alone, multiple journalists were killed in targeted attacks, including Nasrullah Gadani, Kamran Dawar, and others, often linked to their reporting on local politics, militancy, or corruption.^[20][21][22]

Physical assaults and threats have also increased, with incidents involving mobs, political supporters, and unidentified assailants.^[23]

Journalists have faced abductions and enforced disappearances, often attributed to security agencies or non-state actors.^[24] According to a repoert by the United States Department of State, these incidents contribute to a climate of fear, forcing some media workers into hiding or exile.^[25]

Coordinated online campaigns, including death and rape threats, have targeted journalists, especially women and those critical of authorities.^[26] Laws such as amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act have been used to restrict reporting.^[27]

Impunity remains widespread, with few convictions in journalist killings.^[28] Organisations like CPJ, RSF, HRW, and Amnesty International have called for investigations and protections.^[29]

• Round-up 2024: Journalists killed, detained, held hostage and missing (PDF) (Report). Reporters Without Borders. December 2024.
• "UNESCO observatory of killed journalists - Pakistan". UNESCO. 15 December 2025.

• Committee to Protect Journalists - Pakistan page
• Reporters Without Borders - Pakistan profile